A security agent at Charles de Gaulle Airport has been accused of anti-Semitism for saying "free Palestine" to passengers believed to be from Israel. Reuters
A security agent at Charles de Gaulle Airport has been accused of anti-Semitism for saying "free Palestine" to passengers believed to be from Israel. Reuters
A security agent at Charles de Gaulle Airport has been accused of anti-Semitism for saying "free Palestine" to passengers believed to be from Israel. Reuters
A security agent at Charles de Gaulle Airport has been accused of anti-Semitism for saying "free Palestine" to passengers believed to be from Israel. Reuters

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Europe

Inquiry launched at Charles de Gaulle airport after agent chants 'free Palestine' to passengers

Viral video triggers accusations of anti-Semitism and prompts airline to remind staff of rules

Sunniva Rose
Sunniva Rose

July 21, 2025

  • English
  • Arabic

French airport authorities have acknowledged a breach of protocols after a staff member was filmed confronting passengers with a political chant.

The actions of a security agent at Charles de Gaulle near Paris was described by the airport's managing company, Groupe ADP, as “unacceptable”.

The staff member is understood to have been identified following the circulation of a viral video in which she is heard saying “free Palestine” after inspecting the passports of passengers, believed to be from Israel.

The incident took place earlier this month during a secondary passport check after initial security screening – a procedure implemented for certain sensitive destinations, including Israel. The passport inspection was carried out by an external security company contracted by Air France.

In the video, which was posted on social media platform X on July 18, the agent can be heard saying “free Palestine” as she walks past the group. It was reported that she had previously checked their passports.

Air France told daily Le Figaro that it is “deeply attached to the values of welcome, respect and neutrality” and that it would ensure that these principles would be reiterated “with the greatest firmness” to the unnamed service provider. Its staff “are subject to the duty of reserve”, Air France added. The company is not reported to have confirmed the passengers' nationality.

Last week a security breach at the Tour de France cycle race made headlines when an anti-Israel protester attempted to interrupt competitors.

A protester wearing a T-shirt that reads 'Israel out of the Tour' runs on to the course. Reuters
A protester wearing a T-shirt that reads 'Israel out of the Tour' runs on to the course. Reuters

Following publication of the video from the airport, Groupe ADP said that it would launch an investigation to verify whether the incident took place in a Parisian airport. If it were the case, Groupe ADP said on X, the employee's attitude “would be of course unacceptable”.

The video has triggered widespread reaction online, with several commentators accusing the security agent of anti-Semitism. The Israel-Palestine conflict is highly sensitive topic in France. Anti-Semitic incidents nearly quadrupled in 2023 due to the start of the Gaza war, but decreased by six per cent the following year.

The National has reached out to Air France for further comment.

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Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

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Cardiff City 0

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Wijnaldum 57', Milner 81' (pen)

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1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

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4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

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9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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Updated: July 22, 2025, 10:31 AM